2018 Acura MDX: A Trim Comparison

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Unlike many vehicles on the market, Acura has decided to change the game by offering its models with packages rather than trims. The 2018 Acura MDX is the perfect example of this. Here’s a look at the MDX trims and packages to determine the differences.

FWD and AWD

Like with most smaller vehicles, the 2018 Acura MDX comes with two drive options: front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. Both options come with a 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine that gets 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel-drive option is the least inexpensive at $44,200. However, you can have more control by paying $46,200 and getting all-wheel-drive.

On the exterior, the Standard trim comes with jewel-eye LED headlights, a power moonroof, heated side mirrors, and a power-operated tailgate. The luxurious interior comes standard with leather-trimmed and heated seating, automatic tri-zone climate control, push-button start, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Sport Hybrid AWD

The final trim option is the Sport Hybrid AWD. This vehicle comes with a 3.0-liter port-injected V6 that gets 257 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque. One thing you should know is that you can only get this trim with a package added—either the Technology Package or the Advance Package. There is no base “Standard” package, as on the FWD and AWD models, and the Entertainment Package is not available as an option. The Sport Hybrid AWD with the Technology package starts at $51,960, while the Advance Package costs $58,000.

Technology Package

The Technology Package adds features to upgrade the convenience of the vehicle. Some of the changes include GPS-linked climate control, voice recognition, and also previous navigation display. The navigation system offers a 3D view with real-time traffic updates and rerouting if the traffic is too bad.

The entertainment system also improves with the addition of ELS Studio Premium Audio. This entertainment system is designed by Grammy Award-winning engineer and producer Elliot Scheiner. It provides a touchscreen for operation, USB audio interface for iPods, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, and 10 speakers. Finally, the Technology Package adds remote start. This allows you to cool down your car during the summer and heat it up during the winter.

Overall, the Technology Package increases the price of the FWD to $48,600 and the AWD option to $50,600.

Advance Package

The Advance Package increases the price of FWD to $54,650 and AWD to $56,650. It comes with everything the Technology Package comes with and more. On the exterior, the Advance Package adds LED fog lights and roof rails for extra storage.

For the interior, it upgrades the seating to perforated Milano premium leather with contrast piping and stitching. The seats are also heated and ventilated, so you stay comfortable no matter the season. To add to the comfort, drivers have access to a heated steering wheel, as well.

For safety, the Advance Package adds a Surround-View Camera System, which allows you to see your Acura MDX from all angles.

Entertainment Package

The final package is the Entertainment Package, but it can get a little confusing. To choose this option, you must pair it with one of the previous packages: the Technology Package or the Advance Package. With this, drivers have an upgraded entertainment system along with the features from the two previous options.

The FWD Entertainment Package with the Technology Package has a starting MSRP of $50,600, while the Advance Package is $56,650. The AWD Entertainment Package with the Technology Package starts at $52,600, and the Advance Package is $58,650. The upgraded Entertainment Package is not an option with the Sport Hybrid model.

The most significant change is the addition of more speakers. When purchased with the Tech Package, your MDX will have 11 speakers. If you choose the Advance Package, the MDX will have 12 total speakers. Some smaller changes include a full VGA screen, wireless headphones, rear-door sliding sunshades, and HDMI compatibility also.